• BNet, Friday, April 10, 2009 11 AM

Omnicom's top executives took significant pay cuts last year so that their underlings could continue to receive their bonuses, according to a new SEC filing. In total, the senior execs took home 63% less in 2008 than they did in 2007.

CEO John Wren's total compensation in 2008 was cut from $10.4 million to $3 million. Andrew Robertson, BBDO CEO, had a pay package decline from $4.6 million to $1.8 million. Charles Brymer, DDB CEO, had his pay slashed from $3.8 million to $1.8 million.

Omnicom gave this explanation: "The burden of the reduction in incentive compensation is being borne primarily by Omnicom's senior executives, to provide for lower-level employees to receive incentive compensation." To add some perspective: Wren pocketed $25 million on paper in stock options right before Christmas.

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